Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Senators want to know Mo. River flood plan

August 8th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators from states lining the Missouri River are asking the Army Corps of Engineers to outline plans for next year’s flood preparations. The senators say in a letter sent to top Corps officials on Monday that the agency must learn from this year’s devastating flood season and apply those lessons to next year’s plan. The delegation is also asking what authority the Corps has to make changes to its annual operating plan for the river, and whether any additional authority will be needed. The Corps has come under heavy criticism for its management of the Missouri River, which compromised levees in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri after heavy spring rains and late snow melt.